2019 - Best LPN Programs in Missouri

The state of Missouri fosters high standards of nursing, working toward the improvement and availability of services for all people. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 12% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs by 2026. Individuals can meet this growing demand by meeting the state’s requirements and applying for a Missouri LPN license. Missouri LPNs earn around an hourly wage of $18.45 or annual salary of $38,380, which is roughly $5,650 less per year than national average.

Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Missouri? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Missouri are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 41 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 20 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

Details on Missouri LPN Schools & Classes

There are plenty of LPN programs located across the great state of Missouri. Most programs take just 1-2 years to complete, depending on whether a student decides to attend full-time or part-time. Schools may offer both fall and spring start dates, and online programs may allow students to enter the program more frequently. The LPN curriculum typically includes a mix of core courses, specialized nursing courses, and electives. While each school’s program will be slightly different, students can expect to take one or all of the following course titles:

Admission Requirements

Before being accepted into an LPN program in the state, prospective students must meet all entrance requirements. These may include:

High school diploma or GED

Must have completed all general education/prerequisite courses

Submit three professional references

Nursing entrance exam may be required

Interview with nursing faculty/staff

Tuition and Costs

Many students are apprehensive about paying for their LPN education. These programs require that students cover the costs of tuition, books and supplies, and any other mandatory fees. For those who qualify, financial aid packages are typically readily available through the student’s school of choice. The total cost of LPN program at Ozarks Technical Community College is approximately $6,315. This does not include textbooks, supplies, or room and board.

Missouri LPN Licensing Requirements

Missouri requires individuals wishing to become LPNs in the state to complete an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN. The graduate must also submit the following before sitting for the required exam for licensure:

Completed and notarized application for licensure

2x2 inch headshot (passport-style) photo

$41 fee—money order, cashier’s check, or check

Official state-approved nursing program transcript

Criminal background check

Missouri LPN licenses expire May 31st every even year.

NCLEX Exam Information

Upon graduating from an approved LPN program, students are required to take and pass the NCLEX-PN examination in order to gain official licensure. For more information about this important exam, students can check out our comprehensive NCLEX-PN overview here. Students are also encouraged to take an NCLEX-PN practice test in order to study for the examination.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

As a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, Missouri does not require other eNLC nurses to hold a Missouri license to practice in the state. However, LPNs for states outside of the compact area must apply for a license by endorsement to practice in the state of Missouri. The application must be signed in black ink, notarized, and the required fee must be sent along with the following:

Copy of LPN license from issuing state

Official transcript from any/all state-approved nursing programs that include current name, date of completion, degree awarded, and school’s stamp or seal

Verified license from original state of licensure

Criminal background check

Applicants from foreign countries must submit approval from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) after they have evaluated the official transcripts and completed a full course-by-course review.

LPN Salary in Missouri By Area

The table below lists career information organized by the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Missouri. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Top Ranked Missouri LPN Programs

1

State Fair Community College - Sedalia and Eldon

3201 W 16th St, Sedalia, MO65301 - (660) 530-5800 -

State Fair Community College (SFCC) is a public non-profit college located in Sedalia, Missouri. SFCC offers classes in many convenient formats including traditional classroom courses, evening classes, summer schedules, fast-track courses, 10-day interim classes, hybrid classes, and more than 260 online courses, included several complete online degree and certification programs.

Ozarks Technical Community College - Table Rock

10698 MO-165, Hollister, MO65672 - (417) 336-6239 -

The Practical Nursing program at Ozarks Technical Community College - Table Rock prepares students for the role of a practical nurse. The program does this by teaching students accountability and communication skills. The program also emphasizes the appreciation of cultural diversity and health care concepts related to patient care.

Overall Score: 100.00

3

Bolivar Technical College

1135 N. Oakland, Bolivar, MO65613 - (417) 777-5062 -

The Practical Nursing program at Bolivar Technical College is designed to develop attitudes, skills and theoretical basis for competent entry-level practice as a Practical Nurse. Graduates of Bolivar's LPN program are confident and ready for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination.

Overall Score: 100.00

4

Ozarks Technical Community College - Springfield

Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) is located in Springfield, Missouri, with additional locations in Richwood Valley, Table Rock, Lebanon, and Waynesville. OTC promotes student learning through accessible, high-quality, affordable workforce training, and technical and general education responsive to the community's educational needs.

State Technical College of Missouri

One Technology Drive, Linn, MO65051 - (573) 897-5000 -

State Technical College of Missouri, located in Linn, offers a hands-on practical nursing program designed to familiarize students with the responsibilities of providing compassionate care to patients. This two-year program mixes core nursing courses with labs and clinicals to give students a broad educational foundation. Graduates go on to find employment in hospitals, clinics, and more.

Overall Score: 99.00

6

North Central Missouri College -Trenton

1301 Main St, Trenton, MO64683 - (660) 359-3948 -

North Central Missouri College (NCMC) is located in Trenton, Missouri. NCMC assists its students in attaining their goals through open-admission, reasonable costs, and professional curriculum and services, helping students achieve associate's degrees, career certifications, and workforce development by providing quality college-level academic, general education, and career instruction.

Cass Career Center

1600 E. Elm Street, Harrisonville, MO64701 - (816) 380-3253 -

Cass Career Center, located in Harrisonville, Missouri, offers flexible career and technical programs designed to prepare students for employment. Cass Career Center instructors are professionals and experts from their fields, sharing real-world information and hands-on instruction that can be applied in future work situations.

North Central Missouri College - Bethany

3400 Bulldog Ave, Bethany, MO64424 - (660) 359-2214 -

North Central Missouri College in Bethany offers a high ranked Practical Nursing program. NCMC's Practical Nursing offering is an 11-month program running from running August – July in the Trenton and Maryville campuses, while the Bethany site runs from January – December. Students attend class, labs, and clinicals.

Overall Score: 97.92

9

Mineral Area College

5270 Flat River Rd, Park Hills, MO63601 - (573) 431-4593 -

Mineral Area College is located in Park Hills, Missouri, with additional locations is Ironton, Farmington, Fredericktown, Perryville, Potosi, and Winona. Mineral Area College offers a wide variety of degree and certification programs, as well as continuing education courses and non-credit courses for personal satisfaction or workplace advancement.

Moberly Area Community College - Moberly

101 College Ave., Moberly, MO65270 - (660) 263-4100 -

The 12-month certificate program in Practical Nursing at Moberly Area Community College provides a combination of subject matter and clinical experiences to prepare the student to work in a variety of structured health care environments. A graduate from the MACC PN program will function as a client caregiver under the direction of the Professional Registered Nurse and/or a Licensed Physician.

Lex La-Ray Technical Center

2323 High School Dr, Lexington, MO64067 - (660) 259-2264 -

Lex La-Ray Technical Center, located in Lexington, Missouri, is dedicated to educating students and providing the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed. Lex La-Ray helps students build job skills by offering balanced programs, consisting of part classroom instruction and part hands-on training.

Overall Score: 97.42

12

North Central Missouri College - Maryville Outreach

1515 S. Munn, Maryville, MO64468 - (660) 562-4185 -

North Central Missouri College (NCMC) is located in Trenton, Missouri with a Maryville Outreach location. NCMC strives to assist students in attaining goals through their open admission, reasonable costs, and progressive curriculum and services delivered by a highly trained industry-experienced faculty, utilizing state-of-the art technology and facilities.

Nevada Regional Technical Center

900 W Ashland St, Nevada, MO64772 - (417) 448-2090 -

Nevada Regional Technical Center offers a 10-month practical nursing program for high school (or equivalency) grads. Utilizing theory, clinical experiences, and realistic simulations, the curriculum teaches students how to provide safe and effective nursing care. The program boasts a 100% on-time program completion rate.

Overall Score: 96.61

14

Jefferson College

1000 Viking Dr, Hillsboro, MO63050 - (636) 789-3000 -

Jefferson College is student-centered comprehensive community college located in Hillsboro, Missouri, with additional campuses located in Arnold and Cedar Hill. Jefferson College is committed to providing accessible, quality experiences that strive to meet the needs of both the student and the community, promoting intellectual, social, and personal growth.

Carthage Technical Center

609 S River St, Carthage, MO64836 - (417) 359-7026 -

Carthage Technical Center believes that practical nursing programs have a responsibility to provide students with excellent nursing educators who will assist the student learner to strive for excellence in his/her academic and clinical achievements. The program strives to foster an understanding of the ethical responsibility to sincerely care for the individual.

Overall Score: 94.89

17

Texas County Technical College

6915 South Highway 63, Houston, MO65483 - (417) 967-5466 -

Texas County Technical College (TCTC), located in Houston, Missouri, is dedicated to student education and personal development. TCTC is committed to providing superior technical training through both classroom instruction and hands-on training by a dedicated faculty, providing the foundation for career growth and personal satisfaction.

Overall Score: 93.91

18

Clinton Technical School

602 S 5th St, Clinton, MO64735 - (660) 885-6101 -

Clinton Technical School (CTS) is located in Clinton, Missouri. CTS provides students with the necessary nursing skills to thrive within the workplace, utilizing customized training to develop self-discipline and a strong work ethic.

Hannibal-LaGrange University

4650 McMasters Ave., Hannibal, MO63401 - (573) 221-1258 -

Hannibal-LaGrange University’s practical nursing program offers students the skills and knowledge needed to enter the nursing field in as little as 12 months, with summer courses available. Enrolled students are rotated through a curriculum of classroom and clinical instruction, culminating in 62 credit hours/1500 clock hours.

Overall Score: 92.82

20

Moberly Area Community College - Mexico

2900 Doreli Lane, Mexico, MO65265 - (573) 582-0817 -

Moberly Area Community College’s Mexico, Missouri campus offers a 1-year practical nursing program that prepares students via nursing subject matter and clinical experiences. This board-approved, full-time program admits roughly 30 students at a time at this location, and even offers intravenous therapy content.